Dan Hogan leaves a legacy as a loving husband and father, a devoted Catholic, and a dedicated teacher. As a man with a kind heart and a quiet demeanor he provided a considered approach to problem solving to anyone who sought his wise counsel. Born on January 6, 1921 at Winchester Hospital to an Irish Catholic Wakefield family headed by Daniel W. and Frances McMahon Hogan, Dan was the oldest of three boys. Although he was known as Jr. throughout his life, he was actually the third Daniel William Hogan. His brothers, Harold and Paul, who both predeceased him, were born within the following five years. Sadly, Dan’s mother died when he was just five years old and his grandmother McMahon raised the Hogan boys. Dan remembered her loving care throughout his life.
Dan graduated from Wakefield High in 1939, spent two years in college, and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. His family had a strong military legacy. His grandfather was captain of a civil war regiment formed from the employees of a local tannery where he was the manager. Dan’s father fought in World War II, earned the bronze star in the Pacific theater, and retired as a Brigadier General from the National Guard. His brother, Harold, graduated from West Point. His brother, Paul, was a life long military employee. Dan served in WWII with the 27th Fighter group in the European Theater, then later in the National Guard as the public information officer for the 182nd Infantry 26th Yankee Division. Dan retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the National Guard after many years of service in 1984.
After returning from war, Dan followed the yellow brick road to Kansas where he returned to college at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. It was there that he met and married Laura Schmid. After graduation in 1947, Bill and Laura returned to his home in Massachusetts. For two years, Dan taught physics, chemistry, and algebra in Mansfield, MA. He then taught at Danvers High School while studying for a graduate degree. Dan completed a Master’s in Education with a specialty in guidance counseling in 1952. In 1956, Dan was appointed Director of Guidance for the Stoneham Public School System. From 1958 to 1963, Dan served as the junior high school Principal and from 1963 to 1966 as Director of Special Education in the district. In 1966 he became Assistant Superintendent of Schools followed by his appointment in 1970 as Superintendent of the Stoneham Schools.
In 1967, Dan completed his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Administration from Boston University. During his tenure at the Stoneham schools, he was heavily involved in the building of what is currently Stoneham High School.
Dan also had a busy personal life. The Hogans welcomed twin daughters, Mary and Margaret while living in Mansfield, MA. Sons Daniel W. (the IV), Joseph and Timothy were born while the Hogans were living on Grace Road in Medford, MA. Laura and Dan moved to Stoneham in 1971.
Throughout his life, Dan was engaged with his church, his community, and his family. While a parishioner at St. Raphael’s parish in West Medford, he and Laura ran the Catholic Youth Organization and produced yearly minstrel shows with the parish youth raising the money for each production with candy sales of Schrafft’s chocolates. He continued his commitment to church upon moving to Stoneham as a member of the finance committee of St. Patrick’s Church.
Dan was a member and officer of many professional and civic associations including: Massachusetts Junior High School Principal’s Association, President Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, President 1983
Rotary International, President of Stoneham Chapter, 1984-1985 Stoneham Chamber of Commerce
Dan received several awards for his commitment to community and church including: Pro Deo et Juventude Award (For God and Youth), Catholic Archdiocese of Boston The Cheverus Medal, 2009, Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, 1984 Stoneham Chamber of Commerce, Citizen of the Year, 1994
Dan’s life was steered by his love for family, community and always by his God.
After his retirement from the Stoneham Schools in 1984, Dan remained active working for a time in Laura’s realty business. He remained committed to the local schools by chairing the Stoneham School Building Committee that built or refurbished four elementary schools in the district. The naming of the school entry road at the Colonial Park School as the Daniel W. Hogan Jr. Way was a moment of great pride for him. That road marker is a concrete symbol of Dan’s ability to guide others onto the right paths in life.
Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT 28) STONEHAM Wednesday at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating Daniel’s life in Saint Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 11am. Family and friends cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the Family on Monday from 6 to 8pm and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm in the Funeral Home. Interment Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Stoneham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daniel W. Hogan, Jr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Mrs. Mary Appleyard, Stoneham High School, 149 Franklin St., Stoneham, MA 02180 or Saint Patrick’s Building Fund, 9 Pomeworth St., Stoneham, MA 02180.